Travel Vaccines and Advice for Italy
Of all the places to go in Europe, Italy is first on the list for many people. Italy’s charm is found in its ancient wonders, cuisine and unique landscapes.
The Coliseum, Florentine markets and volcanic ruins, there is no shortage of history waiting to be explored.
Travel can be done a multitude of ways including local flight options, by ferry for coastal towns and to islands or by train or bus. Some of the hidden treasures of Italy need extra planning. But, they are well worth the time.
Do I Need Vaccines for Italy?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Italy. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Italy: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Italy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Italy |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
As a developed country, Italy does not have many communicable diseases. Make sure you are up-to-date on your routine vaccinations before travelling.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Italy
“I have not travelled out of the country before, but the travel nurse made sure to tell me about what I needed, specific instructions for taking pills and getting vaccines, and what was recommended for travel to Italy.”
“I was seen right on time, the nurse was so knowledgeable, and I left feeling so well prepared for my upcoming trip to Italy! It was an incredibly positive and seamless experience.”
“Very knowledgeable and friendly. Lots of great information was provided for travel to Italy. I would highly recommend this clinic.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Italy?
Most nationals will need a visa but Canadian citizens using a valid passport do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Non-Canadians residing in Canada must apply in person at the Italian Embassy or Consulate for the Schengen zone visa. All applicants will be fingerprinted, interviewed, and biometrically scanned.
Italy Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Italy? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Italy and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If you plan to stay for 90 days or more, a visa will be required. You must get this visa before starting your trip.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Italy?
The climate in Italy differs depending on location.
Winters can be brutal in northern areas near the Alps. Summers can be hot in this region as well. Central Italy remains somewhat constant with mild temperatures throughout the year. In southern Italy, temperatures are warm in winter and even warmer in the summer. Regardless of where in Italy, the climate is described as Mediterranean.
- Milan – Nestled in the northern Italy, Milan is bordered by the Alps. Winters are milder than other northern cities, but summers can hot. The variety in temperature is typical in Northern cities
- Rome – Sitting in central Italy, Rome experiences a range of seasons. Most of Rome’s rainfall occurs in the winter. Most other areas in Italy that receive the bulk of the rain in the spring and summer
- Naples – Is one of the largest and most-traveled cities in Southern Italy. Even in the winter months, temperatures will remain mostly above 10 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, Naples will catch cool breezes off the ocean.
How Safe is Italy?
Italy has a low rate of violent crime. But, some petty crime including pick-pocketing and purse snatching. This is most common in large cities with large populations such as Rome or Florence. Avoid using bags that cross the body and by making sure your purse or bag can latch.
Italy is also known for political activities such as strikes or demonstrations. These can occasionally restrict travel on trains or buses in cities.
Italy is considered extremely safe both in daylight and at night. But, as always, travel in groups is recommended for extra safety precaution.
Is the Food Safe in Italy?
Italy is notorious for producing some of the most delectable cuisine in the world. Italian culture is centered around meal time. Most devote a lot of time and energy into the preparation and cooking of every meal. With the culinary bar set so high, it is rare that travellers will sit down to a meal is deemed unsafe for consumption. The only thing to remain wary towards is water. Most restaurants will serve water and sodas in the bottle to guarantee high and consistent quality.
Plunge the Turquoise Waters of Capri
People say if they could dream up an island paradise, Capri does it better. A short boat ride from Sorrento, Capri’s turquoise waters and tiny beach coves are unparalleled. From ancient Roman emperors to modern-day stars, Capri’s splendor has captured minds for centuries.
Spend a day touring the city on top of the island, floating and snorkeling the 80-degree water or slurping seafood linguine with your toes buried in the sand at an oceanside restaurant.
What Should I Take to Italy?
Considering where and when you plan on travelling to Italy and for how long, there are a variety of items that should make it into your suitcase:
- Comfortable walking shoes with arch support
- A shawl or scarf to cover your shoulders. There are many churches and religious areas that require modest clothing before entry
- A purse with a latch of some kind. Theft from purses has been known to happen in large crowded cities
- Light and airy clothing for the humid summer months
- An umbrella or rain proof jacket for the occasional rainstorm
- A hat as the sun can be harsh
- If fine-dining is in your plans, pack “black-tie” attire as some restaurants have dress codes
Canadian Embassy in Italy
The Consular section Via Salaria is able to provide political, academic, trade, and cultural services. The consular section Via Zara provides immigration, visa, and Canadian consular services. The Embassy of Canada in Rome provides services for those travelling to Italy, Albania, Malta, and San Marino.
Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy
243 Via Salaria
Rome 00199
Consular section: 30 Via Zara
Rome 00198
Italy
Telephone: (+39) (06) 854 44.1
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Italy?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Italy?
What is the Climate Like in Italy?
How Safe is Italy?
Is the Food Safe in Italy?
Plunge the Turquoise waters of Capri
What Should I Take to Italy?
Canadian Embassy in Italy
